The Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2 Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "The Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2" delivers a 1080p/AVC-encoded transfer that stands as an acceptable upgrade from earlier DVD editions, albeit with limitations. The film maintains a heavy grain structure reminiscent of its 35mm origins, contributing to a cinematic look but also presenting challenges. Grain can intermittently appear excessively thick and noisy, particularly under low-light conditions, causing some loss of detail and sharpness. Though colors such as the lurid neon lighting exhibit commendable density and vibrancy, skin tones occasionally veer towards overly ruddy. Despite the absence of DNR smoothing and edge enhancements, the image clarity is notably inconsistent, with fine details often only discernible in close-up shots.

The transfer's black levels and contrast performance reveal further areas for improvement. Dark scenes suffer from noticeable crush and bluish compression noise, while brighter sequences display varying contrast stability, sometimes leading to clipped highlights and a washed-out appearance. Nonetheless, certain interior scenes, particularly those within the carnival set, showcase appreciable sharpness and set design visibility. Overall, while the Blu-ray's video presentation marks a step up from previous DVDs, it remains a mixed bag with room for further refinement if sourced from original negative elements.

The Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2's Blu-ray release features a lossless DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 stereo track. While a multi-channel mix could have added more intensity to the presentation, the original stereo mix remains respectable for its age. Caroline Williams' piercing screams and the iconic chainsaw revving are prominent, maintaining a consistent high-end without frequent peaking, crackling, or muffling. The soundtrack includes a distinctively 1980s score by Tobe Hooper and Jerry Lambert, complemented by period-specific rock songs during radio station scenes. Crucially, L.M. Kit Carson's lively dialogue is clear and intelligible throughout, ensuring the film's chaotic ambiance is preserved.

However, the audio quality is not without its shortcomings. The mid-range often feels subdued and uninspired, particularly during high-energy sequences where one might anticipate sharper clarity and more pronounced volume levels. This results in a notably flat soundstage with limited dynamic impact. The absence of low-end frequencies in the mix is also evident, diminishing the overall aural experience. Additionally, song selections from bands like Oingo Boingo, The Cramps, and The Lords of the New Church are mixed at a lower volume than other audio elements, rendering them faint and distant. Despite these flaws, the central audio components remain cohesive, albeit lacking the robust depth and excitement modern audiences might expect.

For accessibility, the disc includes optional English SDH and Spanish subtitles along with a French Dolby Digital 1.0 dub. This ensures that L.M. Kit Carson's dialogue—and thereby much of the film’s frenetic atmosphere—remains accessible to a wider audience. Overall, while not groundbreaking, this DTS-HD Master Audio soundtrack provides a competent but somewhat uninspiring listening experience.

The Blu-ray extras of "The Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2" are a commendable blend of informative and entertaining content, ported from the 2006 Gruesome Edition DVD. The disc features two excellent audio commentaries: the first with director Tobe Hooper and documentary filmmaker David Gregory, offering detailed technical insights and thought-provoking discussions about the film's themes. The second commentary, featuring actors Bill Moseley and Caroline Williams, special effects creator Tom Savini, and DVD producer Michael Felsher, provides a more lively and humorous reminiscence of the production process. "It Runs in the Family," an exhaustive six-part documentary, provides rich behind-the-scenes content, exploring the screenplay, set design, and Tom Savini's make-up effects. Additionally, "The Cutting Room Floor" includes several deleted scenes that are a must-watch for fans despite their rough condition. The original theatrical trailer rounds out the package.

Extras included in this disc:

Audio Commentaries: Two tracks; one with insights from Tobe Hooper and David Gregory, the other a humorous chat with Bill Moseley, Caroline Williams, Tom Savini, and Michael Felsher.

The Cutting Room Floor: Deleted scenes collection.

It Runs in the Family: Six-part making-of documentary.

Original Theatrical Trailer: The film’s original preview.

In "The Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2," director Tobe Hooper diverges markedly from the original. Supplanting the grim, documentary-like atmosphere of the 1974 classic, Hooper injects the sequel with a frenetic mix of over-the-top violence, dark comedy, and satirical elements. Set fourteen years after the initial film, part two follows DJ Vanita 'Stretch' Brock (Caroline Williams) and retired Texas Ranger Lefty Enright (Dennis Hopper) as they confront the deranged Sawyer family, now operating out of a grotesquely decorated amusement park. The characters are zanier and more exaggerated, with Leatherface (Bill Johnson) displaying bizarre sentimentalities and Chop-Top (Bill Moseley) adding a new level of maniacal eccentricity.

The narrative structure also mirrors its predecessor, while amplifying both horror and hilarity. Hooper's film is filled with grotesque set pieces and elaborate gore effects by Tom Savini, creating a nightmarish yet farcical spectacle. Notable scenes include a chainsaw battle between Lefty and Leatherface and a disturbingly humorous moment where Leatherface erotically wields his chainsaw. The production design by Cary White and Michael Peal transforms the Sawyer’s lair into a dizzying funhouse of horrors adorned with bone art and Christmas lights that simultaneously thrills and repulses.

Hooper’s direction underscores a biting satire on Reagan-era America and the horror genre itself. Dialogue is brimming with quotable one-liners, reflecting the film’s campy tone. Dennis Hopper’s unhinged performance adds to the film’s chaotic energy, embodying Hooper's potential disillusionment with Hollywood. While divisive among purists of the original, “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2” maintains its own cult following, appreciated for its audacity and grotesque humor. This sequel, drenched in 1980s flamboyance and absurdity, offers a unique, albeit controversial, expansion of Hooper's original vision.

Tobe Hooper's "The Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2" offers a decidedly different experience than its predecessor, diving into dark comedy and farce. While the original film is lauded for its raw terror, the sequel revels in over-the-top gore and satirical elements, presenting a twisted, wacky spectacle that lampoons both its legacy and broader 80s culture. This film is now embraced by a cult audience who appreciate its unconventional approach and eccentric charm.

The Blu-ray release by MGM, however, leaves much to be desired. The high-definition transfer is average at best, failing to significantly enhance the viewing experience over previous DVD releases. The audio quality is equally underwhelming, with a dull lossless track that doesn't elevate the film's chaotic soundscape. Moreover, the package recycles supplemental content from earlier editions, offering nothing new for dedicated collectors or first-time viewers.

Despite these technical shortcomings, "The Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2" on Blu-ray remains a worthwhile addition to horror collections, especially for fans of Tobe Hooper's unique filmmaking style. For those looking to indulge in a pre-Halloween horror marathon, this film's blend of grotesque humor and gory absurdity provides an entertaining diversion from more traditional scares. Although not without its flaws, this release captures the film's cult appeal and enduring oddball legacy.